Insights Director, Auto - Remote, US-based only

Insights Director, Auto - Remote, US-based only
Escalent is an award‑winning data analytics and advisory firm that helps clients understand human and market behaviors to navigate disruption. As catalysts of progress for more than 40 years, our strategies guide the world’s leading brands. We accelerate growth by creating a seamless flow between primary, secondary, syndicated, and internal business data, providing consulting and advisory services from insights through implementation. Based on a profound understanding of what drives human beings and markets, we identify actions that build brands, enhance customer experiences, inspire product innovation and boost business productivity. We listen, learn, question, discover, innovate, and deliver—for each other and our clients—to make the world work better for people.

Role Overview
We’re looking for an experienced Insights Director to work with clients to create the future based on impactful syndicated research within the automotive sector. This is a hands‑on, client‑facing role requiring strong quantitative expertise, strategic acumen, and executive presence.

You’ll take ownership of syndicated projects end‑to‑end—from brainstorming content and methodology through to delivery—while acting as a trusted advisor to clients and a leader within the business.

The salary range for this position is $100,000 - $115,000. If this is not the right range for you, please see our other roles.

Responsibilities

Continually challenge our and our clients’ thinking by identifying topics, methodologies, and analytical approaches that provide uncommon insight into the future of the automotive industry

Engage with clients, prospects, and others within the automotive industry to understand key trends and identify knowledge gaps

Provide leadership on evolving existing syndicated studies, creating new studies, and go‑to‑market strategy

Lead research projects from initial brainstorming through to final delivery

Design and execute multi‑method research projects, including (but not limited to) secondary, quantitative, and qualitative

Ensure insights are transformative for our clients through storytelling and strategic recommendations

Build and maintain strong client relationships at senior levels

Act as a strategic partner, confidently challenging and shaping client thinking

Lead presentations with impact

Own syndicated renewals among existing clients

Identify opportunities to grow existing accounts

Contribute to Escalent’s thought leadership and sector expertise

Design and oversee quantitative research elements (e.g. surveys, concept testing)

Work closely with data teams/partners to ensure robust analysis and outputs

Integrate quant findings seamlessly into broader insight stories

Personally moderate a range of qualitative methodologies (e.g. IDIs, groups, workshops, online communities)

Bring strong facilitation skills, with the ability to engage a range of audiences

Interpret and synthesize complex qualitative data into clear, compelling narratives

Qualifications

Must have a bachelors degree in a related field. An advanced degree is preferred

Excellent client handling and stakeholder management skills

Ability to translate insight into strategic, actionable recommendations

Strong presentation skills, in both virtual and in‑person environments

Ability to lead projects end‑to‑end independently

Experience in automotive research

Minimum of 7 years of related experience within the auto industry

Experience/interest in the energy industry, especially EV

Qualitative research expertise

Experience with research tools and platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, SPSS, Recollective, etc.)

Personal Attributes

Curious, strategic thinker with a passion for understanding consumer behavior

Confident communicator and storyteller

Highly organized, with strong attention to detail

Collaborative, but comfortable taking ownership and leading from the front

Commercially minded with a proactive approach to growth

Benefits and Culture

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – Large carriers on a national level (domestic partner coverage included)

401k with Company Match – No vesting period; bi‑weekly contributions

Flexible PTO – Feel no guilt in taking off a minimum of 3 weeks of “real” vacation time

Paid Parental Leave, including adoption

12 Paid Company Holidays

Hybrid/Virtual Work – Virtual‑first workforce with employees in most states

Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.

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